Nuku’alofa – July 2024. His Majesty’s Honorary Consul General of Tonga to Portugal, Anthony Bailey met with His Excellency Jun Yamada, the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, at the Japanese Embassy in Nuku’alofa. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the strong diplomatic ties between Tonga and Japan, which have been in place since 1970.
The two countries continue to cooperate closely, especially in areas such as disaster resilience, climate change, infrastructure, and technical assistance. Japan has been a key development partner for Tonga, providing support for disaster recovery after the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami, as well as financial aid for infrastructure and climate adaptation projects.
Tonga’s Embassy in Japan, located in Tokyo’s Iikura IT Building, serves as the Kingdom’s official diplomatic mission to Japan. The current Ambassador of Tonga to Japan is H.E. Dr. T. Suka Mangisi, who has been in the role since 2020. The embassy plays an important role in fostering bilateral relations, managing consular services, and promoting Tonga’s interests in Japan.
In March 2024 HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala of Tonga visited Japan and was received at the Imperial Palace by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino of Japan and later attended the 2nd Japan Pacific Islands Defence Dialogue conference. Earlier in In August 2023, the Crown Prince attended the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2023 (IPD23) hosted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). His Royal Highness and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho were honoured aboard the JMSDF vessel Shiranui where the Crown Prince delivered a keynote address to Japan’s officials.
Japan was represented at the Coronation of King Tupou VI in Nuku’alofa by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako (now Emperor and Empress of Japan). They attended the ceremony on behalf of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Both diplomats concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime safety, climate resilience, and economic development, further solidifying the enduring friendship between Tonga and Japan.
